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Refusing to Stand for the National Anthem: Top 3 Pros and Cons - By ProCon.org

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Refusing to Stand for the National Anthem: Top 3 Pros and Cons - By ProCon.org

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In recent times in the media, there has been a discussion as to whether or not it is okay to not stand for the national anthem. People who stand say that by doing so, they are supporting the armed forces and keeping the country together as one. For people who don't, Colin Kaepernick to be exact, says that he doesn't "'stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color [...]'". By taking a knee, he is showing his form of peacefully protesting his right of free speech. Because of his actions, it made people more aware of what was going on around them and started a movement in which many people too, began to take a knee. Although it could be seen as a disrespect to the military, that is not the point he is trying to make. In fact, taking a knee during the National Anthem has nothing to do with military, but with the fact that after almost 150 years since slavery has ended, black people are still getting harassed, oppressed, and discriminated. Kaepernick is using his pedestal in America to open peoples eyes and get them to realize one of many things that is wrong with America.

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Refusing to Stand for the National Anthem: Top 3 Pros and Cons

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Article about the pros and cons of refusing to stand for the National Anthem.

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Too Many Americans Think Patriotism Means Racism and Xenophobia - By Suman Raghunathan

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Too Many Americans Think Patriotism Means Racism and Xenophobia - By Suman Raghunathan

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After the attacks of 9/11, racism spread all over the country like wild fire. South Asian, Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, and Arab Americans began to experience horrible acts of violence like assault and murder, purely due to the fact of what they look and talk like. White citizens are constantly mixing up the ideas of racism and patriotism, believing that if the try to send the minorities "back to their country", then we will remain "true" Americans. Even though horrendous attack on 9/11 occurred 16 years ago, the violence continues on in our society and President Trump has done nothing to stop it from happening. Instead of making laws or serving proper justice to the people who committed these crimes, he has presented the country with the Muslim ban, the retracting of DACA, and the failure to properly respond to the white supremacist rallies that occurred in the late summer of 2017. By remaining silent in the wake of these events, he has shown the terrorists that he supports their acts of violence. In doing so, he sets the country back into it's old ways of racism that we have fought so hard to get rid of. Trump has shown the country that he does not and will not care about the minorities of this country.

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After the attacks of September 11, 2001, patriotism took on many masks and many faces. For some it meant planting flags in their front yards and cherishing the rights we enjoy in this country. For others it took on a flawed and dangerous form. Violence against South Asian, Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, and Arab Americans skyrocketed in the weeks and months after 9/11. New government policies painted our communities with suspicion and guilt. The notion that patriotism and racism are synonymous was used against us after 9/11, and the horror has lasted 16 years, flowing and ebbing under Presidents Bush and Obama. That notion has only increased in fury under the Trump administration.

I was in New York on 9/11, working downtown not too far from the attacks. In the days that followed I feared for my safety for the first time in my life: not from planes nose-diving from the sky, but from assaults on the subway or on the street. These fears were not misplaced. The first shots fired after the attacks were on September 15 in Mesa, Arizona, when Balbir Singh Sodhi, a Sikh gas station owner, was killed by Frank Silva Roque, a racist gunman who wanted to "go out and shoot some towel-heads." During his arrest Roque screamed, "I am a patriot! I stand for America all the way!" This is how he pledged allegiance to our flag.

Our communities experienced many ensuing acts of hate. In the first week after 9/11, 645 bias incidents nationwide were reported by media organizations. In the months that followed, our houses of worship were surveilled by the NYPD and other law-enforcement agencies, our rights were violated and our dignity stripped at airports, and our children were bullied in school and harassed on the Internet. Government policies such as the Patriot Act and the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System were implemented, the latter of which opened cases against 83,000 Muslims entering or living in the United States. The result of this vast ethnic profiling? Zero terrorism-related convictions.

Meanwhile, the body count in our communities has mounted. In 2012, a Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, was attacked by a gunman who killed six people and wounded four others before taking his own life. In 2015, three young Arab students in North Carolina were murdered in their homes by their white-supremacist neighbor. In 2016, a Lebanese-American man was shot and killed on his own porch by a racist neighbor who had a documented history of anti-Arab hate. Related Article

In 2017, our communities are facing hate violence at levels that rival the aftermath of 9/11. The Trump administration-which is now implementing policies that mirror his bigoted rhetoric on the campaign trail-continues to roll out anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant policies that embolden hate groups to attack our communities. President Trump has test-fired several versions of the "Muslim ban," rescinded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, and strongly supported the RAISE Act that seeks to slash immigration by 50 percent in a decade, as well as implementing other destructive policies. Since the presidential election, South Asian Americans Leading Together has documented over 150 incidents of violence against those who identify or are perceived as Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, South Asian, Middle Eastern, or Arab American, already surpassing totals from the year leading up to the 2016 election. According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, anti-Muslim hate groups grew by 197 percent in 2016, and, according to the FBI, anti-Muslim hate crimes increased by 67 percent in 2015.

In February two Indian-Americans were shot by a gunman screaming, "Get out of my country." Days later a Sikh man was shot on his driveway in Washington State by an assailant screaming, "Go back to your country." In August a Minnesota mosque was firebombed in what the governor rightly declared an "act of terrorism." In May, Jeremy Joseph Christian, a known white supremacist, harassed a Muslim passenger on a commuter train in Portland. When three men tried to intervene, Christian stabbed two of them to death. Reminiscent of Roque's racism in 2001, Christian proclaimed at his arraignment, "You call it terrorism; I call it patriotism!"

After these attacks, the president remains silent. His silence is a clear signal to the Roques and the Christians of the world that white supremacy and Islamophobia are not only admirable, they are patriotic.

Our communities know that the highest form of patriotism is dissent: We have lived it for 16 years. We've spoken out when we've seen injustice, and we've crowded airports to protest an unlawful "Muslim ban." We've stood united with those from all faiths, colors, and backgrounds, against racism and division in Charlottesville, Boston, Berkeley, and beyond. We've stared down ACT for America-the nation's largest anti-Muslim hate group-and forced them to cancel nationwide Islamophobic rallies originally scheduled for September 9.

The toxic patriotism that hate groups have practiced for 16 years has brought our diverse communities together, anchored in a patriotism of love, not fear. This September 11, I will remember that this is the true patriotism-working with our communities to protect each other, and in doing so, to form a more perfect union.

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Too Many Americans Think Patriotism Means Racism and Xenophobia

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After the attacks of September 11, 2001, patriotism took on many masks and many faces. For some it meant planting flags in their front yards and cherishing the rights we enjoy in this country. For others it took on a flawed and dangerous form.

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Most people don't want to recognize the issue of race within our country and instead try and wait it out. They are afraid of confronting their own prejudices against the people of any different race. Catherine Meeks, Chair of the Beloved Community: Commission for Dismantling Racism, Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta, agrees with this, but argues that we must do something to change it: "The very first thing people need to do is just start talking to other people and form a community." In recent media, it seems as if we are moving backwards in the end of racism. Meeks suggests that simple things like films, stories, or art are great starting points for people to get involved with the issue. Forming a group of people who support the ending of racism is just the beginning for our country and if it continues, virtually all racism would come to an end.

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About 100 turn out to discuss racism in Maine town - By Anne M. Mozingo

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About 100 turn out to discuss racism in Maine town - By Anne M. Mozingo

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In the small town of South Berwick, Maine, racism is uncommon, but it does happen. The town's majority is made up of white people, which could cause an issue if someone of a different nationality were to come in. Parents of this town are teaching their kids that "Hate has no home here" and that we should learn more about the subject of racism instead of ignoring it. Will Lusenhop, a clinical social worker and professor at the University of New Hampshire, held a meeting at the South Berwick public library to educate these parents on how to handle this subject. He explained to the group that "'It’s [racism] viewed as such a terrible thing to be racist and it causes people to be defensive and say I’m not, rather than examine the prejudices inside us, how they happen to us and how we enact them. When we realize they are in there, we need to examine them and determine how to change them'". The meeting taught these citizens that they have to fight head on with this issue and talking to our kids about it is okay and should be learned about.

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SOUTH BERWICK, Maine - About 100 locals turned out Tuesday evening for a discussion aimed at encouraging parents to speak to their children about race and empower them to be compassionate and conscious individuals.

The town's public library hosted the "How to Talk to Your Kids About Race" community conversation, co-sponsored by the Central School PTO and facilitated by Will Lusenhop, a clinical social worker and professor at the University of New Hampshire. Lusenhop, a South Berwick resident and parent, urged the crowd to become curious about racism, to educate themselves on the history of the topic and work to grow comfortable talking about race and creating a community willing to create change.

Library Director Karen McCarthy Eger said she was pleased with the number of attendees and that she is glad people are ready to talk about race in this majority-white town.

"Bloomberg listed South Berwick in 2013 as the best small town to raise a family in Maine. We have had some racial incidents in town and I'm sure there is a lot we don't know about, so maybe it's not the best town to live in depending on who you are," Eger said.

Rather than focus on racial incidents on the Seacoast, the residents, educators and students on hand were encouraged first to explore in small groups why it's sometimes uncomfortable talking about race.

"It's a hard sell, but I try to convince people not to embark on this journey saying you are a racist or you are not a racist, because you might as well be saying you are a pedophile, drunk driver who killed someone. It's viewed as such a terrible thing to be racist and it causes people to be defensive and say I'm not, rather than examine the prejudices inside us, how they happen to us and how we enact them. When we realize they are in there, we need to examine them and determine how to change them," said Lusenhop, who is the chairman of the Diversity Committee in the UNH Department of Social Work and is a member of the diversity task force in the College of Health and Human Services and provides in-service training on diversity to the New Hampshire Department of Children, Youth and Families.

Despite his experience, Lusenhop repeatedly said he doesn't have all the answers and reached out to the attendees to share techniques they have found successful.

One mother of a 5-year-old in town said she keeps it simple when teaching her daughter. She proudly displays a sign in front of their home saying: "Hate has no home here" and explains to her daughter in basic terms what this means.

A Marshwood High School student who said she has repeatedly been the victim of racial slurs and threats by her peers on the school bus urged parents to teach their children to call out those using racial slurs.

"Teach your kids to stand up. That bus ride still sucks every day and it gets worse," said Jalion McLean, 16. "Teach them that they will get a lot of backlash, people are not going to be happy if they are standing up for someone, but it has to be done."

A small group of South Berwick residents began presenting programs on race two years ago after national attention was drawn to police shootings of black citizens across the country. Another conversation is not scheduled at this time but Lusenhop said he expects more opportunities will be planned.

"There was a lot of tension at the end because people really need to talk about this. It doesn't get its due and I felt bad coming to a close," Lusenhop said.

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About 100 turn out to discuss racism in Maine town

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We have had some racial incidents in town and I'm sure there is a lot we don't know about, so maybe it's not the best town to live in depending on who you are.". Maine news, sports, politics, election results, and obituaries from the Bangor Daily News.

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How to overcome our biases? Walk boldly toward them - By Vernā Myers 

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How to overcome our biases? Walk boldly toward them - By Vernā Myers 

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Ending racism in America is a goal that will most likely never be achieved. Evil always exists in the world and it's even inside the people who claim they hold no biases. To begin the effort with tearing down racism, we have to quit being in denial. People claim to ignore the color of a person's skin and but that is not the issue, it is how we react to it.  Expanding the social circles in our lives and figuring out which authentic relationships we have is essential. We need to break stereotypes about black people that are hidden inside us and connect with them. When we see an issue, we need to have the courage to step up and say something, even to our family members. Children are influenced in every aspect by the adults that surround them on what they should be like. When the children hear these things, they accept those beliefs and if it continues, the biases will never die. We expect them to be sources of change but we are influencing biases into our children from a young age and if it continues the bias will never actually die.

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Teachers often use TED Talks in the classroom to introduce a lesson topic or to frame a student discussion. Below are 10 TED Talks about race in America - curated by TED-Ed upon educator request - that teachers may find useful in the classroom:
Featured image: Angélica Dass/Humanæ
For more education resources from TED, sign up for the weekly TED-Ed newsletter here >>

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10 TED classroom resources about race in America

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Teachers often use TED Talks in the classroom to introduce a lesson topic or to frame a student discussion.

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Confessions of a Former Segregationist - By Michael Montgomery

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Confessions of a Former Segregationist - By Michael Montgomery

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In an interview between Michael Montgomery and former governor of Alabama, George Wallace, they go into depth on what segregation and racism meant in the mid 1900's. Michael asks George questions about the statement he made in the past: "'Segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever.'" George argued that that was over a quarter century ago when he made that statement and since then, he has changed his views. Over time, people tend to change their views on racism and have grown to accept that it is no longer the "normal." When looking back on his actions, he of course has regrets about the things that he has said and done. When comparing now and then, he realizes that he made mistakes about the things he said and the impact his actions had on people.

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The Racial Politics of Time - By Brittney Cooper

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The Racial Politics of Time - By Brittney Cooper

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In recent time, we have seen just how much politics affect the environment around us. Especially with the most recent election, racism has been brought back up into the spotlight. With people taking sides onto which they belong and arguing over whether black live matter, the scenes look as if they're from over 50 years ago. We are fighting over the same issues that others fought for in the past. This proves that nothing is ever completed and the past always influences our daily lives. White privilege within people says "It's in the past, why cant you get over it?" but they don't realize that its not in the past. We are still fighting for the same, basic human rights for African Americans across the country and they have yet to receive them. Fighting for it is what we have to do in a dysfunctional world to continually obtain the rights they deserve.

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Brittney Cooper: The racial politics of time

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Cultural theorist Brittney Cooper examines racism through the lens of time, showing us how historically it has been stolen from people of color, resulting in lost moments of joy and connection, lost years of healthy quality of life and the delay of progress.

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This Amazing, Troubling Book - By Toni Morrison 

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This Amazing, Troubling Book - By Toni Morrison 

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Throughout the entire book of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Huck keeps all of his thoughts and feelings held inside him. Even though he stays quiet through most of the book about his true feelings, his silence itself expresses itself as a type of language. He speaks of his true and genuine feelings towards the reader instead of the characters. He can never directly speak of such a topic towards his counterparts, even Jim, one of his most cherished people in his life. He communicates his feelings with the reader when describing his feelings of being lonesome and melancholy. The society that he has been delved into does nothing to him but make him realize just how chaotic it is. These new discoveries transform him into becoming a more experienced and cultured young boy.

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Racism in early America was endured everyday for African American individuals. Tied under the laws which held them to a lifetime of slavery, they had close to no chance of ever living a free, and happy life. In late December of 1848, William and Ellen Craft decided to leave their master in the deep south to try and escape to a life of freedom. By doing so, they were risking their lives and the chance that they would never see each other again if they were to be caught. This mission began around the time that The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn took place and just like them, Jim wanted a chance at being free. In both situations, they were in danger due to the Fugitive Slave Act, which made it possible for their owners to go after them or have others go after them and bring them back to slavery. Driven by this, they went after their freedom and did anything possible to get to that point of happiness. They were extremely brave in what they did and were courageous throughout every instance that occurred.

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In 1849, abolitionist and attorney Wendell Phillips wrote:

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Racism experienced by past generations was violent, appalling, and uncalled for. As time has passed, society has evolved and the children of past generations won't have to experience what their parents did to an extent. Racism will always exist in a non utopian world and that being said, it will always be experienced but how far it goes decreases more and more as each day passes. Parents are now debating whether or not to tell their children about their past experiences to prepare them for the future. Other parents disagree, arguing that they should experience these things by themselves so they won't carry their parents' sorrows. Both sides agree that children should experience the world as it is today and not focus on the negativity of the past. Deciding on whether or not to explain the extent to which racist situations can go is the ultimate decision.

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The n-word: An interactive project exploring a singular word

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After the National Football League made the controversial decision to ban the n-word on the field this year, a team of Washington Post journalists explored the history of the word, its evolution and its place in American vernacular today.